New strategies for social integration of unaccompanied young foreigners

The current research aims to investigate the situation of social integration of unaccompanied young foreigners who are in the Basque Country, and to analyse how the relationships maintained with local families influence in this process of social integration. For some time now, foreign minors who decide to emigrate alone to Spain/Basque Country searching for a better life have appeared on the migration map. The system of child protection covers the basic needs of the minors until the age of 18. However, at the moment they reach this age, these young foreigners get automatically full legal capacity and they find themselves helpless. Moreover, the current socioeconomic context, which is characterized by a deep economic crisis, it must be taken into account since it seriously harms young migrants. The objective of the study is to show the vulnerability presented by them tackling the process of emancipation and social integration. It is also wanted to demonstrate how the social capital acquired by young migrants who maintain relationships with autochthonous families helps them face social integration process. In this regard, it is noted the need to provide more resources and to change integration strategies so that they adapt to the new social context. The information has been collected from an analysis of interviews conducted to young migrants, social educators and experts in the field